After an awkward silence, Nate apologized, “How rude of me. This is my office mate, Matt Ulster; we keep Fort Benning Army Base running smoothly.”

“Sure you do,” Darby said, “just like Jorden and I keep the school district in good shape.”

“We’ll make an excellent foursome,” Nate replied. “Now, let’s head to dinner.”

Nate had a sleek, 1969 sapphire blue Pontiac GTO. Jorden could see he was eager to show off his new car as he steered smoothly through the Julian Apartments. The complex was composed of six separate buildings shaped into a horseshoe. Her eyes swept to the borders of the complex, which were outlined with a mixture of oak, maple, and tall swaying Georgia pines. Then, to her surprise, Nate revved up the motor in front of the exit sign, popped the clutch, and let the engine rip. Like a burst of lightning, the GTO sped forward and flew onto Buena Vista Road.

Jorden gasped, but no one seemed to notice. She held onto the backseat to keep from flying forward as the Julian Apartments vanished from sight. She flashed back to Alex. She remembered the first time she met him. It was here last September. Nostalgia hit like an aching pain.

Jorden’s stomach churned watching Nate trying to impress Darby with his driving while scaring the wits out of Jorden. She looked over at Matt. He seemed to take it in stride—more power to him, she thought. After Nate parked at a local popular restaurant, her stomach settled down. At least he hadn’t chosen Amore’s, which was Jorden and Alex’s favorite choice.

Jorden and the others decided on the dinner special, two beef tacos and nachos with everything on them. Nate placed the order and added to it a large pitcher of beer. Darby turned to Matt.

“Where are you from?”

“Iceland.” Matt didn’t crack a smile.

“You’re kidding?”

Nate interrupted, “Don’t listen to him; he’s trying to shock you. He’s from Alaska. Don’t forget it’s our forty-ninth state, and the reason he managed to get drafted into the army.”

Watching Matt’s deadpan face, Jorden allowed herself to become amused by him. “Be honest with us, are you really from Alaska and all those freezing temperatures?”

“Yes. I confess I really am,” Matt replied.

By then, Darby couldn’t hold back, and she proceeded to bombard Matt with every conceivable question she could think of about Alaska.

After ten minutes, Matt called a halt to the questions. “Enough! You’re wearing me out.” His eyes wandered around the table and settled on Jorden. She couldn’t help but smile to express her sympathy.

Near the end of the meal, Jorden jerked in her seat. She noticed something moving on the window ledge high above their table.